OSCE on banning Red Star: Respective football federations to find a modality for the planned match to take place

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo in a press release stated that they are concerned to learn that a humanitarian match between FC Red Star Belgrade and FC Gracanica has been disallowed by the Kosovo Football Federation. "The OSCE Mission in Kosovo urges the respective football federations to re-engage in dialogue and find a modality for the planned match to take place, given its humanitarian character and relevance for the local community" – it is stated in the press release also.

In light of this and other recent cancelations of sporting events, the OSCE Mission wishes to reiterate the need for the separation of political considerations from sporting events and maintaining the spirit of sportsmanship in all disciplines – they said further.

"All efforts should be made for sporting events to take place, as well as for them to be free of politically charged, provocative or offensive slogans. The rules of UEFA and other associations are clear in this regard and should be fully respected" – the OSCE Mission in Kosovo concluded.

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